Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating net income increased by $252,000 from the prior quarter, attributed to higher net interest income and operating non-interest income, offset by increased provision and operating non-interest expenses [15] - Net interest income rose by $314,000 compared to the prior quarter, driven by continued asset repricing and loan growth [15] - Operating return on assets (ROA) improved from 0.81% in Q3 of last year to 1.06% this quarter [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for the quarter was around 9% annualized, lower than the first and second quarters, but still around a 14% annualized growth rate for the year [5] - Non-interest income increased over $1 million from the prior quarter, with significant increases in fee income and interchange income [7] - Operating non-interest expenses rose by $624,000 quarter-over-quarter due to investments in talent and growth initiatives [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $28.1 million during the quarter, reflecting strategic use of brokered funding [23] - The weighted average rate on new and renewed loans was 7.83% during the quarter, indicating a meaningful pickup in yield [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deepening relationships with customers through a consultative approach to grow core deposits and increase fee opportunities [6] - The pending merger with TC Bancshares is progressing as planned, with expectations for closing in the fourth quarter and system conversion in the first quarter of the next year [10][11] - The company is optimistic about future M&A opportunities and is strategically looking to grow its customer base and talent pool [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management does not foresee a material impact from the government shutdown on the business or customers, although there may be some effects on the SBSL group [30] - The company expects loan growth in the fourth quarter to be lower than the past quarter, aligning with long-term targets of 8%-12% annual growth [6] - Management remains confident in balancing cost control with strategic investments for long-term organic growth [18] Other Important Information - The tangible common equity (TCE) ratio at the end of the quarter was 8%, up from 7.43% a year ago, and tangible book value per share increased to $14.20 from $12.76 [25] - A wire fraud incident resulted in a recognized loss of $1.25 million related to disputed insurance coverage [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Given the disruption in D.C., is there any trickle-down effect to borrowers and the local economy? - Management does not see a material impact at this time and has provided resources to customers to mitigate potential issues [30] Question: What is the average roll-on versus roll-rate this quarter, and how does the NIM outlook look? - The roll-off yields were in the 5% range, with a new and renewed rate of 7.83%, indicating expected modest growth in net interest margin [31] Question: Is there any NDFI loan exposure? - Management confirmed there is no meaningful exposure to NDFI loans, focusing instead on relationship-based lending [32]